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LAPD Chases Man Swimming Among MacArthur Park's Colorful Balls
One man who couldn't resist the siren call of Macarthur Park's colorful balls decided to take a dip in the lake last night. When Portraits of Hope, the nonprofit that created the installation, said they wanted something that would bring the community together, we're not sure this is what they had in mind. But last night a crowd did gather to watch—and live-tweet—the LAPD fish him out of the water.
It happened just before 9 p.m., and LAPD deployed their Underwater Dive Unit. Initially the man wouldn't come out, but officers were finally able to persuade him and help him out—unlike a woman who refused to come out of Echo Park Lake last week. The man wasn't arrested but he was taken under psych evaluation, LAPD Officer Drake Madison told LAist.
Reporter Jesse Katz was live at the scene, giving minute-by-minute updates on the crowd, the chase and the swimmer's sartorial choices:
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It's like the OJ chase in the lake
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Crowds, cameras, spotlights, hundreds of spheres, 14 feet of murky water, one rebel/daredevil/madman
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
I'd say 200 people circling the lake, jockeying for a better view
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Boats ready to go...but nowhere to maneuver pic.twitter.com/qKoHWx79HJ
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Well...it is bringing the neighborhood together! pic.twitter.com/hwONxl1KKj
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
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What keeps the balls in keeps the "rescuers" out pic.twitter.com/xlkLZ6WLEm
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Crowd cheers as LAPD boat breaks through. Into the balls they go.
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Cops navigating balls like life-size video game
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Dude is doing an evasive backstroke
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Crowd chants: uno dos tres aplauso!!!
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Boxers, thankfully pic.twitter.com/IZdFNgweHs
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
Super chill crowd at the lake, I must say. Cheered the LAPD, then cheered tanktop swimmerman. Worse things have happened in those waters.
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
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Here's a good look at the dude, cue Central Casting pic.twitter.com/5E0gFkclAv
— Jesse Katz (@byjessekatz) August 25, 2015
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